Media coverage, announcements and press mentions from across Canada's purpose-built rental industry.
Toronto Life
These are the buzziest purpose-built rentals coming to the city
A recent Toronto Life feature spotlights four standout developments set to redefine renting in the city, including Rushden, poised to be one of Canada's largest PBR projects at 1,304 units across three towers near Main Station, and Hazelview Investments' Bloor Crossing redevelopment at Dufferin and Bloor, which will deliver 1,140 units across a 12-, 34-, and 38-storey complex by spring 2026 Toronto Life. With roughly 80% of Ontario's existing purpose-built rental stock dating back to before 1980, these new builds mark a significant step toward modern, amenity-rich housing designed specifically for long-term renters.
Rental Housing Dominates Montreal Construction: Over 80% of 2025 Starts Were Rentals
Montreal's residential construction landscape has undergone a historic shift, with over 80% of new housing starts in the metropolitan region in 2025 being purpose-built rental units, according to a new report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Just 2,027 condominium units broke ground over the same period, reflecting sustained weakness in the condo market driven by economic uncertainty, investor pullback, and a widening price gap between new and existing units. Tania Bourassa-Ochoa, CMHC's deputy chief economist, notes that Montreal is currently seeing unprecedented levels of both completions and units under construction.
Purpose-built rental pipeline grows sharply in Vancouver, says report
Vancouver’s purpose-built rental pipeline has expanded rapidly, with nearly 20,000 units under construction—far surpassing the previous decade’s total completions. While this surge has eased vacancy rates in the short term, experts warn of a looming supply gap as rising costs and slowing housing starts threaten future development. As the market transitions between cycles, private investors are becoming more active, and rental supply dynamics are expected to shift again in the coming years.
Canada could experience a rental market boom not seen since the 1970s
Canada could be on the verge of a major rental construction boom, with rising investment in purpose-built rentals across multiple provinces. A new report suggests that policy incentives similar to those used in the 1970s could significantly accelerate development, potentially adding thousands of new units annually. While this growth may ease housing shortages, it could also impact condo demand and pricing. Overall, the shift reflects a broader transition toward rental housing as a key component of Canada’s evolving real estate landscape.
Toronto Life
